POLICE are delighted with the response to the firearms amnesty in place across Cheshire aimed at taking potentially lethal weapons beyond the reach of criminals.

The amnesty, which runs until the close of April, stands as a last chance for owners of illegal weapons to turn them over to the police without fear of prosecution - the amnesty is being followed by changes to the law which could land anyone in possession of an illegal firearm with a lengthy jail spell.

Unusual weapons so far handed in at police stations in Cheshire have included a swordstick - a walking stick which conceals a bladed weapon and a harpoon gun as used by divers.

Police say the weapons have included a number of replica guns which look undistinguishable from the real thing as well as shotguns, handguns and air weapons.

In the first week of the amnesty, 59 firearms and six other weapons were handed in. They included handguns, revolvers, rifles, shotguns, air rifles and pistols and more than 750 rounds of ammunition.

The haul also included two CS-type incapacity sprays.

The latest figures show the total number of weapons handed in so far has reached 90 along with 3,500 rounds of ammunition. A total of 10 weapons have been surrendered in Widnes and Runcorn.

Police have issued an assurance that people who hand in weapons before the end of the month will not be prosecuted, and although they may be asked to give their details they will not be forced to do so.

Only when police believe a particular weapon may have been involved in a serious crime will further inquiries be made.

* Weapons can be handed in at the police stations in Widnes and Run-corn during normal business hours. Arrangements can also be made for police officers to pick up weapons directly from homes in cases when the owners feel worried about transporting the weapons themselves.